Weekly Time Waster : Fig 8.

Figure 8 is an interesting (and very addictive!) web game.  The point of the game is to control a bicycle (using the arrow keys) while avoiding any and all black lines. This includes text, scenery, anything!

Fig. 8 is very easy to pick up and gets gradually difficult.  Save points along the way allow you to save your progress by circling them with your bike.  There are also score indicators as you go along.  The art is plain black and white, but adds the feel of history.  You  seamlessly traverse through a series of architectural drawings, each more difficult then the last.

Weekly Time Waster:Upgrade Complete!

Have you ever played a game where you can upgrade almost EVERYTHING.  Well, Upgrade Complete takes that to another level.  The entire goal of the game is to upgrade everything in the game.  You can upgrade the menu, graphics, even the copyright text.  

The core way of making money in the game is to play a shooting game.  You control a fully-upgradeable ship makes the game interesting and fun.  You can progress through 20 stages of different enemies to collect coins when they die.  Unfortunately, there is no final boss battle.

There is also an achievement system to give you a sense of pride.  You can play this game for hours, even after you have "beaten" it.  You can lose track of time and play this game at Armor Games.

PSP GO Is GOing to Be Here Soon

EuroGamer obtained official pictures of the new PSP yesterday. The new PSP GO has a slide out control pad and lacks a UMD. It had 16 gb of memory (more then one of my computers had). This spells bad news for UMD owners, all games must now be downloaded. This means if you don't have wifi, you don't get games for it.

This new PSP also has a not-so-vague resemblance to Sony's failed internet device called the Mylo. You know, a few years ago Sony came out with the Mylo as a "communication device" that had almost know need. Blackberries could do everything the Mylo could do and more, and for $300, it cost a pretty penny.

There is no price yet, but in the coming week Sony is expected to announce one. The new PSP still only has 1 analog stick, meaning that FPS's will be hard to play on it. It is also supposed to pack Bluetooth (which almost no one uses) and a Memory Card Slot.

Study Shows Gaming Improves Vision; Again

A new study proves gaming can improve vision (so sit close to the tv). A study to years ago found this with "high action" games.(games like Halo 3 or Unreal Tournament) This new study finds that games, especially shooters, help "contrast sensitivity", which helps with things like night driving. This is surprising because scientists say that you can't increase your contrast sensitivity by training it. These new findings suggest that you can actually train your eyes to have more acute contrast sensitivity. All you have to do to increase contrast sensitivity is play action games, such as Halo. Even better is the effects will last for years to come, even if you don't play an action game for years. So, now you have an excuse for playing Halo 3 until three o' clock in the morning.

This Week in Games 2/20/09

This week saw the announcement if the Nintendo DSi's launch date in America and the closing of Ensemble Studios. Ensemble made such memorable games as the Sid Meier series and the Civilization series. But many other things happened in the gaming world this week.

Nyko's Wii Wand
Nyko showed us at the Consumer Electronics show its new Wiimote alternative. The Nyko Wand used electronic triggers to transmit data, unlike the Wiimote, that uses mechanical triggers. The Wand will has larger buttons than the Wiimote, and does not feel cheap, though it looks that way. It also has a wireless Nunchuck (they call it a Kama) that, because of the eletronic triggers can vibrate. The Wand "Core Pack" will have the wirless Kama and the Nyko Wand. There is also another package they come in, The Wand "Action Pack" that has a Pistol Grip Accessory that, unlike the Wii Zapper, uses electonic input to map the users presses, similar to a Guitar Hero 3 Wii Controller.






















Red Xbox 360 Elite "Officially" Announced
A quick glance at the email to New Zealand retailers below seems shows that it's an email about getting Halo Wars as an Xbox 360 bundle for their stores. But wait, in the fine print, does that say that you cannot get the bundle with Red Xbox 360 Elite consoles that are exclusively at EB Games. Someone's getting fired (or sacked) for this one.

"Auckland, New Zealand – 19 February 2009 – Buy a new Xbox 360 console and for a limited time we'll throw in a copy of Halo Wars*.

You all know how awesome the Halo franchise is, so we won't bore you with details, just look out for this deal at major console retailers now. Conditions apply*. Enquire in store and they'll set you right: http://www.xbox.com/en-NZ/games/wheretobuy/

· Halo Wars launches 26 February 2009.

· Promotion valid 26 February 2009 – 26 March 2009 while stocks last.

* Xbox 360 Halo Wars Standard Edition, $99.95 RRP. This Halo Wars offer does not apply to the Red Xbox 360 Elite console which is exclusive to EB games.

About Halo Wars

Halo Wars is a strategy game based on the legendary Halo universe. Command armies of UNSC units, both familiar and new, in their initial encounter against the Covenant, an alien coalition threatening to obliterate mankind. Experience an early period of the storied Halo universe, in a time leading up to the first Halo game.

With the guidance of Serina, a spirited A.I. persona, direct legions of UNSC soldiers, Warthogs and Scorpions against Covenant Grunts, Elites, Ghosts and Scarabs, each group having its own strengths and uses in battle. Strategic-minded players who react well under pressure will emerge victorious.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier video game and entertainment system. It is home to the best and broadest games. The digital center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content, including personal pictures and music, with a unified online social network to create an entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360."